Community Spotlight

By Mary Elizabeth Dial Staff Correspondent KeShawn Long is a 41-year-old from Anniston. He got involved with the Red Cross as a student at Jacksonville State University, and before long he had become the first name on anyone’s mind when asked, “Who embodies the spirit of volunteering?” Long first got involved with his local chapter

By Mary Elizabeth Dial, Staff Correspondent The Catholic Center of Concern located on Chestnut Street is not new to downtown Gadsden. Although many people drive past the small building each day without noticing it, those who need the services it provides see the center as an invaluable resource. The Catholic Center of Concern is dedicated to

By Wendy Hood, Staff Correspondent “I’ve had an exciting life, but I’ve also had some rough times,” said Betty Mize. The widow of Congressional Medal of Honor recipient Colonel Ola Lee Mize, Betty resides in Etowah County. She was born on a farm on South 11th Street in Gadsden to Andrew and Geneva Jackson. Don’t

By Wendy Hood, Staff Correspondent Stan Veitch has spent the last 25 years as a writer for various publications in northeast Alabama, including The Gadsden Times, The Cullman Times and currently The Messenger. His assignments have taken him on many high ways and byways across the state, and it seemed like he was always either

By Wendy Hood, Staff Correspondent Etowah County resident Lennie Carroll was born in Attalla in 1935 to Knox and Stella Whitt. Lennie Carroll is one of very few women in Etowah County to ever serve as Senior Pastor in a church. Carroll built Sand Valley Assembly of God Church in Attalla in 1962 and has

By Wendy Hood, Staff Correspondent For the first time in its history, Gadsden Regional Medical Center has welcomed home one of its own to serve as Chief Executive Officer. Corey Ewing was born in Gadsden in 1976 to Glenn and Lisa Ewing at what was then known as Baptist Hospital. Ewing said that after nearly

By Wendy Hood, Staff Correspondent Gadsden resident Hubert Owen was born in Birmingham in 1923 to Charles and Sadie Owen. “I’ve been very fortunate all my life,” said Owen. “God had been good to me, better than I deserve.” At 93 years old, Hubert Owen has a smile that lights up the room. He has